County Cllr receives Cross-Party support for action on possible job losses

Labour County Councillor for Skelmersdale West, Julie Gibson, has received assurances from the ruling Conservative Administration at Lancashire County Council, that they will take action to look at all possible ways to safeguard jobs at BAE systems.

Cllr Gibson said, “As Shadow Labour Lead for Economic Regeneration, I was very worried when I heard about the announcement of the possible loss of 750 jobs and the effect on the whole of the Lancashire economy.”

She continued, “The loss of these quality highly skilled jobs will be a permanent loss to Lancashire and have a devastating impact on the many supply chains that “feed off” the industry; many of which are performed by the small, medium, community based enterprises within the area. It is estimated that for every job at BAE, there are another six in the local supply chain.

I raised the issue at the recent Full Council meeting as I wanted to ensure that we are doing all we can to mitigate these job losses. I called on the ruling administration to engage with our MP’s at Westminster by writing to the Prime Minister, The Rt Honourable Theresa May MP, asking her to intervene.”

Cllr Gibson concluded: “I am very pleased that the ruling Conservative Administration wholeheartedly agreed with my proposal; it was a rare moment when we all realised that jobs and the economy of Lancashire is a priority for all of us.”